Mama Cat steals other's kittens.

[wayne0214]

I believe that Mama cat is extra-kitten motherly-conscious because she is now sharing nursing all the kittens. Although, Fluffy's are now begining to nibble on dry food - at 4 weeks of age, Mama cat is still treating them as younger kittens. They don't argue or hiss at each other but gladly allow Mama to share in keeping the little ones fed. I am supposing that if Mama's one kitten was old enough to put on the floor, Fluffy would help nurse him/her also. BTW, Mama's kitten is another blue with a white steak on his/her nose. Her eyes are not opened yet, so therefore, I do not bother her until she is older.

.........wayne

[wayne0214]

Saturday, Mama cat carried her one kitten down to floor level into Fluffy's box containing the other 3 older kittens, and began to care for all of them with Fluffy watching nearby. Apparently, this is what is happening, that both queens are now working together to care for their collective broods. I believe Mama cat is the instigator of this activity however, as she appears to have a super-mom kitten-caring personality.

............wayne

[AvaJoy]

I've heard this is normal when Queens share the nursing duties . . . watched a special on TV all about colony cat behavior, and the females within a colony had a special nursery set up in a barn whereby they could keep all the kittens together and take periodic turns caring for them . . . like a human day care center!

If any males tried to intrude, the females ferociously chased them away. Unfortunately, a Tom did sllp in when no female was watching and killed many of the kittens . . . very sad . . . . . . but again, normal feline behavior according to the show . . . wish I could recall what channel and the name of it.

Sounds like you are having much fun with all the kittens, and so glad to hear they will all have good homes!

[wayne0214]

Although I try to keep the toms away from the little ones, sometimes they get too close to the litter. Yesterday Mama cat and Fluffy had cornered both Fawn and Snow Cat from being too close to the box. Thinking to myself " you had better leave those kittens alone or she will box your ears down". So far, they havn't been back to "bother" the litter. Surprisingly, Tigeress is allowed to watch the kittens, without opposition from the two queens.

Last Saturday the kittens have discovered that they can run, and now I have to be more careful not to step on them because of their extra-mobility

..............wayne

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Originally posted by wayne0214
Last Saturday the kittens have discovered that they can run, and now I have to be more careful not to step on them because of their extra-mobility

..............wayne

LOL! Wayne, your fun is just starting. Wait until they learn to climb...and get stuck in high places. Babies are so fun! I sure miss having them around.

[AvaJoy]

Iris, the COTD today has a website which I couldn't resist checking out . . . . . . and the thought never crossed my mind that the shelters and rescue groups might be in need of volunteer foster homes for their pregnant cats . . . what a wonderful idea!!!!! Has anyone else ever heard of or done this??

Momoffuzzyfaces, maybe you could foster a mom-cat-to-be in your area . . . sure would satisfy those kitten-cravings!

The only drawback for me would be getting so attached to them, knowing I couldn't keep them all, and having to choose just one . . . I KNOW I couldn't possibly give them ALL back . . .

[wayne0214]

momoffuzzyfaces, That is the reason why I leave a hanging blanket in their play area because all of my kittens, even those of past years, thoroughly enjoy playing "climbing the blanket". Also, they play "chasing the lump"; when one gets inside the blanket fold and begins to climb the inside. All of this is so much fun to watch. Yesterday they began to wrestle with each other. Their development is going OK.

.............wayne